MOORESVILLE, N.C. (December 6, 2006) – Mike Nelson, a race engineer for Penske Racing since 2000, has been named crew chief of the Alltel Dodge team that competes in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series.

Nelson, who served as the team's interim crew chief for the 2006 season's final two races, assumes his role immediately.

"I am excited and humbled by the opportunity that Penske Racing has provided me and I am looking forward to representing the team when testing begins in Daytona," Nelson said.

Nelson, 33, joined Penske Racing in 1998 as a data acquisition engineer. He attended Ryan Newman's first test with the team in April 2000 and was offered the opportunity to be the team's first race engineer. Nelson has worked side-by-side with previous crew chief Matt Borland and the Alltel team ever since.

"Matt has been a big part of our success over the years and we wish him the best in his future endeavors,” said Tim Cindric, President, Penske Performance. “Mike has big shoes to fill, but Roger (Penske) has always been a big believer in promoting from within and Mike is another example of someone that has worked his way up through our organization, He understands the challenge ahead and we are counting on him to take us to the next level.”

Newman noted that due to Nelson's tenure with the team, the two men have a strong working relationship.

"I am very pleased to have Mike serving as my crew chief," Newman said. "We have worked together for many years, and with Mike leading the team the last two races of 2006, we got an early start on 2007."

Penske Racing is one of the most successful teams in the history of professional sports. Competing in a variety of disciplines, cars owned and prepared by Penske Racing have 280 major race wins, 325 pole positions and 20 National Championships.